RYS 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

500 Hour Teacher Training Course

About our Training

Himalaya Yoga Valleys 500 hour yoga teacher training is regarded within the yoga field to be one of the most innovative and transformational advanced training courses for trainees looking to take their personal practice, teaching skills, and specialist knowledge to the next level.

Our 500 Hour Level 2 Training Course is a continuation of the Level 1 200 Hour syllabuses at an advanced level, for an additional 300 hours study and skills training. The Level 2 Course is unique to Himalaya Yoga Valley in its concept, wherein trainee teachers have the opportunity to undertake an optional Elective Unit which enables them to develop a body of knowledge and portfolio around a specialised area of yoga they are interested in pursuing within a supportive and expert environment. Portfolio development is done in a supportive environment with the assistance of experienced teaching staff across all modalities.

Trainees delve into their chosen area and build up a body of knowledge, becoming fully informed and practically taking the knowledge into the business development realm and right down to the yoga mat when delivering the final practicums related to the area of specialisation. Examples of previous trainee areas of specialisation are Yoga for Depression and Anxiety, Yoga for the 12 Steps, Yoga for Chronic Pain, Yoga for Teens and decision making, Yoga for the Dosha and many more areas trainees are passionate about. Historically this Elective was offered privately to yoga businesses and teachers over a three day course. Himalaya Yoga Valley is delighted to now include it for the benefit of trainees in the 300 hr training.

Testimonial – It’s been a very powerful and life altering decision and probably one of the best investments I could have ever made in myself. Thank you for everything. I know I couldn’t have accomplished this without the training I received at Himalaya Yoga Valley.

​​Maureen (USA) 500 Hr TTC, Jan 2015

In parallel, a strong emphasis is placed on learning to teach advanced teaching techniques and at the same time developing personal practice. The 300 Hr training is an all-encompassing program. This course is suitable for teachers who have been teaching to the public who wish to enrich their practical and theoretical body of knowledge and also a great reintroduction to teaching immersion for those who have completed a 200 hour TTC but require extra coaching to take the step to becoming a teacher. On completion of the Level 2 Teacher Training, a 500 hour Certificate is awarded. The training is recognised by Yoga Alliance UK and Yoga Alliance USA.

Now that you have that strong Level 1, 200 HR foundation as a yoga teacher, in the advanced training you build on that foundation in a more creative and less linear way. The additional 300 hour training is structured with integrity to ensure you are not rushed or time burdened yet still constantly stimulated by challenging, creative and relevant learning outcomes. A strong emphasis will be placed on deepening your personal practice during the training under Yogacharya Lalits guidance.

Outline of our 300 Hour Syllabus

Asana

There is a two-tiered approach to asana in this 300 Hr. training. The first level is geared towards trainees deepening their personal practice and progressing towards a peak relative to their individual constitutions, physical abilities and personal goals. The second tier is dedicated to learning to teach a series of asana derived from the Ashtanga Primary Series.

Trainees are encouraged to balance challenging themselves through the Primary Series with a deep respect for their bodies and individual needs. Teachers will explore their personal practice experiences in relation to teaching practices- any personal asana limitations will be approached as an opportunity to explore alternative postures, props and modifications and these limitations will be utilized as teaching opportunities and areas of growth.

Trainees are guided in led classes through the Ashtanga Primary series by Yogacharya Lalit as per his Lineage, with an emphasis on individual progress relative to the trainees own starting point. There is a strong focus on correct alignment and progression through receiving physical and verbal adjustments. By using a variety of traditional Mysore style of learning and daily led practices, trainees will become familiar with the entire Ashtanga Primary series, increasing their knowledge of each individual posture.

This combined two-tiered approach brings emphasis to the importance our own practice experience and development has on our teaching. Experience through application will ensure that teachers leave feeling confident in teaching new asana and being able to keep the teaching of advanced asana accessible and inclusive of all students, always reflective of meeting students where they are at in their practice.

The daily asana practice will be varied, all classes will include cautions, contraindications, modifications, and alignment, using props and anatomical information to further Trainees personal and teaching practice. Trainees will learn from the different families of asana; Arm balancing, backbending, hip opening, twists, inversions. There is a two-tiered approach to this 300 Hr. training. The first level is geared towards trainees deepening their personal practice progressing towards a peak relative to their individual constitutions, physical abilities and personal goals. This objective will be facilitated under the guidance Yogacharya Lalit and his team during led classes with the final week having an emphasis on Mysore style practice to encourage self-determination and personal responsibility and commitment towards future self-practice.

Testimonial-From the moment that I contacted Himalaya Yoga Valley I felt secure and confident that I was going to the right school. Their approach to every little detail was so professional and when departing on my 200Hr for India on my own I knew that I had nothing to fear. The lectures,meditation and asana practice, Ayurveda, philosophy and anatomy were taught to such a high standard that by the time you have finished the course you are equipped with all the knowledge you need to start teaching with confidence. You meet people from all over the globe and they all become your friends because of the intense bond you share from the time you spend together learning. The Himalaya staff become like your family because of the guidance and love they show you throughout the teaching and when you leave they support you throughout your teaching journey. The 200Hr and the 500Hr training have been the most life changing experiences for me. Thank you to all at Himalaya Yoga Valley

Angela Rogers Kaveri Yoga (South Africa) 200 & 500Hr Grad

Personal Practice

Yogacharya Lalit will guide you in deepening your personal practice using a variety of sequences and asana variations including a series inspired by the Ashtanga Primary Series and other daily classes that will be dedicated to specific themes such as hip opening, back bending, arm balancing and inversion sequences. Deepening and developing your personal practice will be a priority on this training. This will be relative to your existing practice and will therefore be non competitive yet definitely challenging and rewarding in relation to where you are in your practice. The objective is for trainees is to significantly deepen their personal practice and improve their alignment, asana knowledge in understanding the use of posture variations, props, and in turn apply their personal experience of growth to their teaching practicums. Please note that all levels of practitioners with a strong sense of discipline are heartily encouraged to take this journey with Yogacharya Lalit and his team to deepen their practice. Your progress, practice and development is relevant to you as an individual, not your neighbour which is the reference point we work from and encourage our trainees to embrace.

This objective will be facilitated under the guidance of Yogacharya Lalit during led classes. The final week of the course will have an emphasis on reinforcing learning outcomes, personal asana progress and development through Mysore style self practice classes to encourage self-determination and personal responsibility and commitment towards future self-practice.

Teaching Series

Under the guidance of Yogacharya Lalit, trainees will teach a series of asana inspired by and derived from the Ashtanga Primary Series. The objective is to deconstruct, analyse and understand each asana on an anatomical, pranic, physical, therapeutic and psycho-emotional level. Trainees are encouraged to use their personal practice experience as a tool to develop and undestand the importance of offering posture variations in order to grow teaching skills and bring this understanding to teaching future classes. Using the teaching series of 52 postures as a learning platform, on a daily basis trainee will practice to teach all elements of the advanced asana in preparation for course teaching practicums. Through the teaching series, trainees increase awareness of adjusting postures they teach to suit the individual needs of their future students. Furthermore, trainees will gain an understanding of how to modify certain postures within a variety of asana series inspired by and derived from the Ashtanga Primary Series, as well as learn building blocks on how to assist students in being able to systematically improve various postures through the use of modifications and props.

Asana Alignment TechniquesA necessary requirement for any yoga teacher to be a safe, confident and credible teacher is to be able to visually assess their students’ alignment during classes and be able to offer them physical and verbal adjusting cues to rectify common misalignments, prevent injury and increase therapeutic, energetic and physical benefits of the postures. During the 300 Hr. training through a hands on approach, trainees will continue to develop their understanding and their teaching skills around common misalignments, correct alignment and the application of physical and verbal cues to guide their future students. In line with traditional yoga, trainees will learn to apply the use of modifications in asana and use of props in order to assist their students to access depth and correct alignment in their yoga postures. Trainees will learn that alignment is not merely mechanical, but that it is about ensuring quality integration within the body, leading their students to a state of steadiness & ease (sthira and sukha) and a process of refinement creating a stabilising structure.

Asana Adjustment TechniquesUnderstanding the principles of alignment and adjusting is base foundational knowledge learned on 200 hr. training, During the 300 Hr., trainees will further improve their adjusting skills under the guidance of Yogacharya Lalit Kumar, using traditional Mysore adjustment techniques to assist trainees in guiding their future students towards deeper expressions of the postures. A strong emphasis is placed on correct alignment as a pre cursor for enhancements through adjusting. This grows there existing core skill in adjusting, bring trainees to a higher level skill in physical adjustment techniques for advanced asana based on anatomical and energetic rationale for the 300hr teaching series.

Class Sequencing Techniques

These lectures are structured to expand the teachers knowledge of how to construct asana classes in a safe and meaningful manner to meet the needs of students. One part of this unit will guide trainees to understand sequencing classes around optimising the health of their students through structuring asana classes around Yoga for the systems. The second part within the sequencing unit will be focused on developing appropriate class sequences for specialised groups of students, with an emphasis on Yoga as Therapy. This second part has been developed to guide teachers through class construction skills required to assess the needs, fears and appeals of their target group/students, in order to learn how to cater or develop specialised sequencing from a holisitc, inclusive and therapeutic perspective.

Chakras & Mantras
This Unit is a continuation of the 200 Hour lectures on the Chakras and nadis at a deeper level. Understanding the functions of the chakras is an integral part of a yoga teachers’ knowledge. This Unit is compiled to simply yet effectively allow trainees to learn about these energy centres which are vortices of pranic energy continually controling the circulation of prana throughout our entire body, balancing our physical, emotional and mental health. Trainees to learn about the chakras; effects, deficiencies. Trainees understand the Chakras in relation to the physiological systems, and how Yoga asana, Pranayama, Meditation and Chanting can restore balance and optimize health of students. Trainees will also explore the Yantras, pictorial depictions of the 7 chakras; their importance, symbolism, use and benefits during meditation

Ayurveda
Ayurveda as a word transcribes to the Science of Life or the Science of Longevity. One of the most ancient medical and health systems in the world, it adopts a holistic approach to individuals physical, spiritual and mental health and the entire environment that surrounds one. It is an integral part of traditional yoga, where practicing a yoga lifestyle incorporates the intake of sattvic food, harmonious relationships, balance in physical and mental spheres of our bodies and by consistent practice of asana, pranayama, chanting, kriyas and meditation. With the expert guidance of Dr. Rohit, Borkar, renowned Goan Ayurveda physician, trainees will learn the ayurvedic approach to a living a balanced lifestyle relative to their future students and also themselves as teachers. This Unit is a continuation of the 200 Hr. Ayurveda syllabus. For teachers who have not Graduated from Himalaya Yoga Valley training there is ample information on the basics of Ayurveda in our manuals and in the Centre yoga library available to review.

During the interesting lectures, trainees with gain an understanding of the three Gunas of sattva, ajas and tamas and their influence on the physical, mental and pranic body. They will also learn about Ayurveda relative to age, health, lifestyle and seasonal requirement. Trainees will learn how, based on Ayurvedic dosha types, to develop a lifestyle program for vata, pitta and kapha types. This will be a balancing/ reducing program for a vata, a pitta and a kapha dosha types.Trainees will learn about the dosha subtypes relative to the Vayu Trainees learn the requirements for a balanced dosha and will be able to design basic lifestyle programs for future students to meet their health needs Trainees will learn further on the basic body tissues which support the body functions Trainees will learn specific asana that are most suitable for balancing each of the 3 dosha types.

Anatomy
Adam will take you through some fascinating subjects specifically designed for yoga teachers such as body web; tensegrity; foundations; Knee mechanics ; Hips – the keystone of our architecture; Yoga and Spinal mechanics; the Ribcage and breathing and Emotional Anatomy just to name a few.

Through the series of informative, interactive and engaging anatomy classes, Trainees will go on an anatomical journey related specifically to yoga, movement, body mechanics and its effects and health benefits. The teaching style is aimed at making anatomy relevant to yoga teachers for application to their wide variety of student unique body types, presenting injuries, injury prevention, muscular and joint relief, postural improvement and identify and prescribe various asana to improve strength and flexibility. Yoga teachers who can understand and apply theses concepts of structural yoga in their classes will be reaching a high level of the teaching realm. The following are some of the realms of understanding trainees can expect to gain.

A working understanding of the anatomical mechanics of the feet, knees, hips/ pelvis, ribcage and shoulder girdle using this knowledge to improve students’ structural balance and posture thought the application of postural assessments

A working understanding of the spine (anatomical and energetic)

The importance of the occipital muscles as connected to the inner ear determining how these muscles lead the rest of our muscles, ultimately impacting on spinal health

A working understanding of flexibility relative to injuries and recovery

Understanding the anatomy of the breath and how to improve its efficiency for the respiratory organs

Understanding the anatomical concepts for healthy immune system and a healthy digestion

Understanding the anatomical effects and benefits of Yoga asana and be able to prescribe various asana to improve strength, flexibility, provide muscular and joint relief, improve postural and structural imbalances and understand the physiological effects and benefits provided by Yoga asana.

Yoga Business
Hands on and practical classes based on the modern yogis business needs! This class is a step up from your previous learning covering areas such as Web Design; Advertising- business cards flyers, SMM, mags, Google etc; workshops – wo to go; business sustainability etc.

Through immersion, trainees gain a working understanding of the key concepts of Strategic Business Planning required for developing a sustainable yoga business. This is applied in real time during their business development for their 300 Hr. TTC Portfolio. Areas covered during these lectures and portfolio forums are the Principles of Strategic Planning including Core Value, Vision and Mission Statements. They gain an understand the key success measures to evaluate business outcomes, the importance of SWOT analysis, identification and segmentation of target markets for trainee chosen areas of specialization, in addition to marketing, branding and promotions concepts. Trainees will learn about Social and Digital medial considerations necessary for reaching todays large digital markets. Included in these lectures are information about webpage content necessities and what to avoid; gaining an understanding about the ‘look and feel’ features of a website and the opportunities gained from interactive features, blogging and yoga articles.

During the Business Units, trainees will learn about the key components required for a simple and concise Business Plan in addition to understanding the critical importance of having a Business Plan as the roadmap to achieving goals and objectives.

Daily Meditation Chanting and Pranayama

Pranayama
As we learned and experienced in Level 1 teacher training, prana is our Life Force. Pranayama practice is about controlling the breath to produce physical, emotional and mental effects and benefits. A competent yoga teacher aims to teach students to incorporate a consistent pranayama practice in their daily lives for overall improved health and wellbeing. In this advanced 300 training, trainees learn advanced pranayama techniques to build upon those already in hand.Meditation. In Level I Teacher Training we learned that all paths of yoga untimely lead to meditation. Yoga Teachers in tune with their students realise that having the ability to pass on the techniques to practice mediation is invaluable in this present day and age of workplace and daily living stress and tension. Building on the skills for teaching basic meditation and ones for own practice, in this advanced training, Pataljali’s 7th Limb, dhyna is explored further and practiced at deeper levels.

Mantras
Chanting mantras is a central aspect of traditional yoga where there is a mantra for every event of life- illness, celebration, challenges, relationships, education etc. During the training through actively chanting mantras, trainees will experience and be able to pass on to their students, the physical and physiological benefits of mantra chanting in yoga practice.

A firm and solid teacher lead daily morning practice as per the 200 Hour program to begin with (with a more advanced meditation and different chants) and student lead experiential/exploration meditation practices as the course progresses. Further studies of benefits of meditation e.g integrating meditation for the treatment of depression.

Pranayama and Kryias:

The advanced techniques taught theoretically are with an ayurvedic perspective and a regular practice of Jal and Sutra neti and daily practices such as oil pooling.

Classroom management/ teaching methods

Communication skills and techniques including public speaking workshop; troubleshooting clinic based on your most frequent teaching issues

Classroom Management
Competent and safe yoga teachers demonstrate that classroom management is more than teaching asana; it ensures that their yoga classes run smoothly by controlling internal and external factors that can be disruptive in the classroom to one or more of the student group. It means creating an environment where all comers are valued and able to develop their practice. Some examples of classroom management skills are preparedness for inappropriate and disruptive behaviour, managing different levels of practice in classes, noise, unexpected incidents , room set up, latecomers and a host of other situations that need planning in advance or managed as they occur. Classroom management skills and qualities best employed by experienced teachers are assertiveness, compassion, knowledge, decisiveness, communication skills, integrity and an ability to read students’ needs at short notice. This Unit assists trainees to build their confidence around classroom management thereby adding another element to their teaching skills.

Teacher Communication Skills
A teacher’s voice is the most important teaching tool required for a successful teacher. Teaching confidence, skills, ability and knowledge are wasted if a teachers voice does not reach its capabilities. In this Unit, trainees develop a heighten awareness about the criticality for yoga teachers to possess effective verbal and non verbal communication skills in order to educate, coach, energise, motivate and develop their students.

First, there is an overview of general communication skills applicable to daily life in the workplace, interpersonal interactions in our community, with family, friends etc. To follow is a review the different Learner types from the 200 Hr. syllabuses and then the lecture drills down deeper to additional specific communication skills required by yoga teachers.

Philosophy

A continuation and deepening of the 200 hr subjects further exploring the sutras and Swami Veda’s teachings. Trainees to compare Pantajalis 8 limbs to other significant Yogic texts; Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Trainees will explore what it means to be liberated. The journey to Kaivalya and looking at the rest of the Sutras.

Trainees will be comparing with other philosophical observations of the Mind (Manas-Buddhi-Chitta-Ahamkara vs. Patanjali’s Mind, kleshas) and how in more recent times more has been written about the similarities between Vedanta and Yoga – especially in some Swami Rama texts.

Trainees will continue to explore the theme of liberation within Bhagavad Gita. The history and relevance of Bhagavad Gita and comparison to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras – looking at recurring themes or significant differences.

Trainees will draw upon personal inquiry work based on Ram Dass’s workbook ‘Path of Love’ which works with the Bhagavad Gita.

Trainees will look at the development of Yoga – body-mind-spirit connection with Hatha Yoga, again comparing to the mind-based yoga philosophy of Patanjali – Exploration of the Hatha Yoga texts relevance to us today as modern yogis. Introspection will be developed in regard to the body, mind and spirit through discussions forums using Hatha yoga principles and Patanjali’s philosophy.

Enrolment Prerequisites

Trainees must have completed a 200 Hour Training Course from a reputable training school and provide references from their previous school. Himalaya Yoga Valley 200 Hour Graduates are automatically eligible for enrolment in this training. As per our 200 Hour training requirements trainees will be expected to have a mature outlook, positive attitude and strong sense of self discipline and self determination in relation to their personal practice.